Hepatitis A

There is an outbreak of hepatitis A among adults in Washtenaw and other Michigan counties. The hepatitis A vaccine is extremely effective at preventing infection, but the majority of Washtenaw adults have not been vaccinated. Vaccination and good handwashing can prevent the spread of illness.

Get Vaccinated

Call 734-544-6700 to schedule an appointment with the Health Department, or talk to your health care provider.

Vaccination is recommended for anyone not already vaccinated, and especially recommended for:

People at higher risk of exposure to hepatitis A, including:

Men who have sex with men

People with a history of substance abuse

People currently homeless or in transient living

People in correctional facilities

People with underlying liver disease

Food service workers

Healthcare workers or first responders

Anyone who may have been exposed to hepatitis A

There is no additional charge for the hepatitis A vaccine if you are uninsured, have Medicaid, or are at higher risk of exposure. If you have health insurance, please check with your health care provider or pharmacy first.

Michigan Outbreak

As of Sept. 12, 2018, there have been 889 cases of hepatitis A diagnosed and 28 deaths in Michigan since Aug. 2016. Learn more about the Michigan outbreak at www.mi.gov/hepatitisaoutbreak. No common sources of food, beverages, or drugs have been identified as a potential source of infection.

Washtenaw County Cases

2016

2017

2018

Most Recent Case (onset date)*

Total Cases

1

12

7

October 12, 2018

20

Note: Numbers are preliminary and may change. *Onset date is when the diagnosed individual first reported symptoms consistent with hepatitis A.

About Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus, and it can cause damage to the liver and other health problems. Hepatitis A can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months.

Symptoms of hepatitis A include:

Fatigue

Poor appetite

Stomach pain or tenderness

Nausea or vomiting

Dark urine

Yellowing of the skin (jaundice).

Most children less than 6 years do not experience symptoms. Symptoms typically appear 2 to 6 weeks after exposure. Individuals with symptoms should call their provider or seek care.

How is it spread?

The virus is found in the feces (poop) of people with hepatitis A. Most infections result from contact with an infected household member or sex partners. The virus can also be spread by consuming food or drink that has been handled by someone with hepatitis A. Someone who has hepatitis A can spread it to others for up to 2 weeks before symptoms appear.

Prevention

The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated. Since 2006, the hepatitis A vaccine has been routinely recommended for children. But, the majority of local adults are not vaccinated.

Frequent handwashing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom and before handling food can also help prevent the spread of hepatitis A.